NSW Budget: $1 billion delivers safe and secure regional water

The Upper Hunter is among the communities that could soon benefit from the NSW Government’s historic $1 billion to fund local water infrastructure through the Safe & Secure Water Program.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the Scone Water Treatment program is among an initial eight projects shortlisted to share in the funding that will be announced in the NSW budget.

“Everyone in NSW deserves access to reliable and high-quality water and the Safe & Secure Water Program has been established to enable communities to reach their potential,” Ms Berejiklian said

“We have already committed $500 million to construct our flagship Murray River to Broken Hill pipeline project, and we are now getting on with delivering critical local water and waste water infrastructure elsewhere in the state,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“Through our asset recycling program and sound financial management, this Government has delivered the funding for a stronger regional NSW through our Safe & Secure Water Program.”

The NSW Government also confirmed $1.5 million for the Scone to Murrurundi Pipeline as part of the Regional Waste Water and Backlog water program.

Deputy Premier, John Barilaro said NSW communities depend on access to clean, reliable and affordable water, and waste water infrastructure that meets environmental and health standards.

“With over 1.9 million people living in more than 500 regional NSW communities, it is vital we continue to invest in priority local infrastructure, and this is what our Safe & Secure Water Program is all about,” Mr Barilaro said.

“Whether it’s a new water treatment plant for Bemboka or replacing the out-dated waste water treatment plant at Junee to accommodate the expanded correctional centre, our Safe & Secure Water Program will make a real difference to local communities all over NSW.”

Regional Water Minister, Niall Blair said the Program will prioritise key water infrastructure projects – from local drought backup systems through to new or upgraded dams to secure water supplies for our regions.

“I encourage water authorities in regional NSW to work together and bring their best ideas to the table, because the Safe & Secure Water Program guidelines will be released shortly, with funding to be determined on a competitive basis,” Mr Blair said.

“The NSW Government will draw on an innovative new catchment-wide framework to guide the prioritisation of projects, based on security of supply, health and infrastructure risks and emerging issues that can impact on supply and demand.”

The initial eight projects will now go through the project assessment and assurance process to secure funding under the Safe & Secure Water program.

Safe & Secure Water Program guidelines will be released when expressions of interest open in July.